If you’ve dreamed of moving abroad and teaching English, then 2023 could be your year! 2022 saw the world pick itself up again after the covid-19 pandemic, and travel is more significant than ever. Now is the time to think about getting that online TEFL qualification and visit some of the best TEFL destinations!

There are many great TEFL opportunities waiting in 2023; for those with a TEFL qualification, the world can be your oyster! Once you’re qualified, hundreds of jobs are available to you worldwide. If you’re overwhelmed with choice, check out some of these top TEFL destinations for 2023 and see if you feel inspired to take the plunge!

1. Spain

Spain has been a popular choice for TEFL teachers for many years, and that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. It is an excellent choice for those wanting to teach English in Europe and looking for a country full of culture and charm. Spain is a big country, so there’s much to explore in your free time! Local salaries are enough to live comfortably, and you can take private classes to supplement your income.

TEFL teachers in Spain can expect a more relaxed lifestyle, a friendly environment and a reasonable cost of living. Requirements for teaching in Spain aren’t too strict, and if you don’t have a degree, you still have a good choice of a wide range of jobs. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid might be the obvious choices for teachers, but smaller cities such as Valencia, Malaga, Bilbao, or the Canary Islands aren’t to be missed!

2. South Korea 

If you’re a native speaker of English with a degree, then South Korea is an excellent option for you. If you have any other teaching qualifications or a Master’s degree, you can finally have exciting opportunities with a higher salary. South Korea values academic qualifications more than many countries, so your academic endeavours will be rewarded here. Job offers often come with accommodation included and some flight reimbursement.

Living in South Korea brings a lot of advantages. The cuisine is world-renowned, with Korean street food being more than affordable for TEFL teachers; South Korea is a modern country with friendly locals who are genuinely interested in getting to know foreign TEFL teachers. Teachers can earn a good wage here, meaning you can also explore other Asian countries nearby!

3. Thailand 

If South Koisn’tlike the right fit for you, but Asia still peaks your interest, look towards Thailand. This country has a lot of opportunities for TEFL teachers and is an excellent place for those who are newly qualified. You will likely be thrown into the TEFL deep end with your class, but this is the best way to learn!

Thailand offers a low cost of living with exciting landscapes to explore – think beautiful beaches, fascinating temples and bustling cities. The lifestyle is laid-back, and there are many places to visit. Thai people are known to be very friendly, and Thai students are famous for showing great appreciation for their teachers! Your work will feel very rewarding, and you will build a good relationship with your students.

4. UAE

The UAE is becoming increasingly popular for teachers who want to explore the sunshine and make a decent living at the same time. Salary conditions are some of the best in the world, with accommodation often thrown in as part of the deal. Cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi are trendy among teachers. 

The requirements to get a job in the UAE are more demanding than in other countries. A degree is a must, and if you have further qualifications in teaching (such as a primary or a master’s degree), this will help a lot. The more qualified you are, the higher your salary will be and the greater the opportunities you will have waiting for you in the UAE!

5. France

If you’re looking to teach in Europe but don’t want to head to Spain or Italy, then France is a good alternative. Of course, Paris comes to mind when you think of working in France, but cities such as Lyon, Nice or Toulouse are also exciting options to explore. Teaching in France can give you access to an exciting culture and the opportunity to learn a beautiful language! You can easily explore France with its extensive train network.

TEFL teachers in France don’t necessarily need a degree, and the salary is good enough to live comfortably and then. France also has many opportunities for language assistants in public schools, which can be an excellent way to get started and use your TEFL skills. Many summer camps take place in France, which you can apply for if you’re looking for a fun summer abroad! It’s also an excellent way to get a taste of TEFL in France, committing to a more extended period.

6. Costa Rica

If you’re looking to head to the Americas, it can be very overwhelming to choose from many countries worldwide. If you’re struggling to decide, then consider Costa Rica! This exciting central American country could give you the tropical lifestyle you’ve always wanted to experience!

Life in Costa Rica is very relaxed (Pura Vida, anyone?), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t excitement awaiting! You can explore beautiful beaches, thrilling jungles or waterfalls. For unimaginable natural wonders, Costa Rica is one of the best countries you can go to! 

To teach in Costa Rica, you don’t necessarily need a TEFL qualification, but this will help you get a job much more accessible than if you didn’t have one. You can earn a stable cost of living here. American accents are often preferred, but there is plenty of work for everyone. 

7. Japan 

Japan has many big language schools, and companies always look for TEFL teachers. This, along with the popular JET programme, means that there are plenty of opportunities for those who are TEFL-qualified and have a degree. There is a massive demand for English teachers so you can find some excellent positions.

Tokyo offers a fast-paced lifestyle if you feel tempted to live in one of the world’s biggest cities. If you want a calmer environment, check out beautiful Kyoto. Cities in Japan combine the historical and the modern for a unique culture! Not to mention that Japan has one of the highest quality of living in the world!

8. Hungary 

If Western Europe doesn’t excite you, head further east to Hungary. This central European country has become very popular for TEFL teachers over the last few years thanks to a lower cost of living and its thriving capital city, Budapest. Most TEFL teachers head here, but there are smaller cities such as Debrecen and Szeged that are also good options for TEFL teachers.

Budapest has a very international vibe, so there are plenty of chances for social interactions and to make many friends. If you love Christmas markets, Hungary has some of the best in Europe! Hungary is happy to accept teachers with little to no experience as long as they have a TEFL qualification and a degree. This makes Hungary a straightforward option for many teachers!

9. Taiwan 

The demand for TEFL teachers is very high in Taiwan, especially with companies, so new jobs crop up yearly here. To teach in Taiwan, you need a TEFL qualification, a degree and a clean criminal record. You can earn a good salary in Taiwan and save money simultaneously, which is a big plus! A lot of contracts come with housing, flight allowance and health insurance.

Taiwan is a popular choice due to its varying landscape. You can be in a vast city and then be on the beach in no time! Taiwan has a tropical climate, so it could be a good choice if you’re looking for warmer weather. Taiwan is becoming more innovative daily and is a real contender for a top TEFL destination in 2023.

10. Online 

It’s impossible to talk about TEFL teaching in 2023 without thinking about online teaching! After the pandemic, the buzz hasn’t quit, and millions of students contilearningearn online. If you’re looking for a truly flexible work sche, you might consider teaching online. There are many companies available from different countries all over the world. If you want to get back into travelling in 2023, then online teaching might be the right fit for you and your dream lifestyle.

Online teaching is also helpful in supplementing your income if you are working at a school or company. You can cork only mornings or weekends to bring in some extra earnings. Aim for a company that hits a specific target market (China, South America etc.). That fits in with your timetable.

Choosing your TEFL destination is a big decision to make. Make sure you research to see if it’s the right place for you. Read blogs from teachers who live in the area you are interested in, as this is the best way to learn first-hand what life is like there. 

Remember that you will need to check the requirements of each country regarding visas and work permits. You should also check if a degree or a passport from a specific country (UK, Canada, US etc.). Is required. If you are unsure, ask your TEFL provider what your options are, and they can assist you. Wherever your 2023 TEFL takes you, you will have the ultimate adventure!